MICA launches Talent Pool for creative talent in the Northern Netherlands

The MICA talent pool connects young talent with creative assignments and traineeships for young professionals. It is the place where creative students and graduates can put their skills to work for companies, and where organizations can access motivated, creative, and trained talent. The MICA Talent Pool consists of student jobs and traineeships.

February 12, 2026

Why a Talent Pool?

The northern Netherlands is bursting with talent, and we need to connect that talent to the challenges in order to retain creative talent in the north. That is why the MICA Talent Pool was set up. We do this by linking students to suitable, paid assignments and offering graduates development programs at organizations in the region.

Within the MICA Talent Pool, we bring together supply and demand. Students from creative programs register and are selected based on their motivation and skills. Companies submit assignments or development questions. MICA ensures the right match, after which the student and client work together independently on a specific assignment or project.

Vocational and higher vocational students register via the registration form and, following a selection procedure based on their abilities, knowledge, and skills, are placed in the MICA talent pool. Once admitted, they join the Talent Pool and can be matched with paid, flexible part-time jobs and assignments that match their education and talent.

Student jobs: learning by doing

MBO Council and Association of Universities of Applied Sciences have been emphasizing the importance of practical experience during studies for years. This is given concrete form within the MICA Talent Pool.

Students from creative vocational and higher professional education programs apply and are selected based on their motivation, knowledge, and skills. Companies submit assignments or development questions. MICA then finds the right match.

After matching, students and clients work independently together on a concrete, paid assignment that matches the student's talent and education. Flexible, professional, and with real impact.

Traineeships for young professionals

For graduates, MICA develops two traineeships that focus on work experience and personal growth. The setup: work four days a week at an organization, invest one day in development, training, and reflection.

Media & Communication

This traineeship introduces young professionals to media organizations in the region, while they continue to build their own expertise, network, and career.

Transition communication

Social transitions require more than technology or policy. They require new narratives, imagination, and behavioral change. In this traineeship, participants learn how communication can help people understand what is changing and how they themselves can adapt.

This program is being developed in collaboration with the MICA Lab for Transition Communication.

The impact on the region

With the MICA Talent Pool:

do students gain relevant work experience alongside their studies?
graduates get a strong start in the job market
companies work with motivated and local talent
The northern Netherlands remains attractive to young professionals.

In this way, education, businesses, and government work together to strengthen the region's innovative ecosystem.

Want to join?

Are you a student looking to gain practical experience, earn money, and work on real assignments? Or have you just graduated and want to gain in-depth experience through a traineeship? Sign up for the MICA Talent Pool.

Are you a company or organization looking for young talent or a trainee? Contact us and discover what the Talent Pool can do for you via talentpool@mica.nu.